Another report has emerged adding fuel to the fire that Antonio Conte could end up becoming the next head coach of AC Milan.
The Conte speculation reignited when La Gazzetta dello Sport spoke earlier in the week of a ‘flame rekindled’ for the Rossoneri. Then, the paper’s Milan correspondent Luca Bianchin provided some further words of intrigue.
Corriere della Sera speaks about an important next two games for Conceicao, a ‘double play-off’ that will have a huge bearing on the top four race and the over €50m that come from qualifying for the Champions League.
Conceicao reiterated to the team that they can get fourth spot, but he too is under scrutiny. An average of 1.79 points per game is not too different from that of Paulo Fonseca, which translated means not enough.
The Portuguese is not the first to blame but his ‘tough guy’ approach has drawn scrutiny as have some of his choices. For example, the puzzle of the ‘Fantastic Four’ must be solved, as they continue to seem unsustainable from the start but he keeps selecting them.
The club have reiterated their trust in him for the immediate future, but he is the first to know that these two games will be potentially decisive. As a reminder, Milan possess a break clause in his 18-month contract meaning it could be terminated in June.
Who might replace him? The paper writes: “Conte is under contract with Napoli until 2027 but it remains a suggestion, who knows if this summer the spark that never ignited last year, at the will of Milan, will not ignite.
However, a sporting director is needed first, and it will not be Andrea Berta. Considered by many to be in pole position, he was contacted too late and already has an agreement abroad. The profile was suitable but the timing was not right.
Furlani call to Conseicao:
“Never mind the poorly constructed squad, late arrival, limited training sessions, playing every 3 days, disinterested players, crazy individual mistakes – get us into the top 4 or you’re toast. Caio.”